Hosiery system and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A hosiery system and method wherein a foot covering for covering at least one foot is provided. The foot covering having an upper edge portion. A leg covering is also provided for providing thigh support. The leg covering has a lower edge portion, wherein the lower edge portion of the leg covering is coupled to the upper edge portion of the foot covering.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is claiming the benefit of the U.S.Provisional Application having an application number of 60/466,453,filed Apr. 28, 2003, in the name of Marilyn Tams and entitled “HOSIERYSYSTEM”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a hosiery system and, morespecifically, to a hosiery system wherein a sock is integrated with thepantyhose for the combined comfort, fit, ease of use, and selection thathas the advantages that both pantyhose and socks provide.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Pantyhose serve a wide variety of medical, athletic, andaesthetic functions. Pantyhose are generally made of a sheer, pigmented,usually knit or woven, material that serves an aesthetic function tohide blemishes and other imperfections found on the wearer's legs andlower torso. These types of pantyhose, commonly worn by women, can alsoinclude elastic material in their leg and torso portions to allow thepantyhose to simultaneously function as a girdle and support hose.

[0006] Typically, the hosiery industry dictates what is available forpurchase, and in turn, what is ultimately worn by the consumer.Unfortunately, many women have problems with current pantyhose designs.Present pantyhose designs are extremely uncomfortable to wear. Becauseof the material used and the snug fit, most women find pantyhose veryuncomfortable. This is especially true in warmer weather. Furthermore,pantyhose provide very little protection or comfort to the feet area ofthe wearer.

[0007] Many women prefer the comfort and fashion of socks in footwear,especially when wearing pants or slacks. Socks provide moreprotection/cushion in the foot region. However, these same women mayalso prefer the sleek look and convenience of pantyhose underneath thepants or slacks. In order to accomplish this combination, it has beennecessary for the consumer to purchase and wear both the pantyhose andthe socks. This combination of hosiery is not always the mostcomfortable or convenient to wear.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved hosiery system thatovercomes the above problems. The improved hosiery system will integratethe pantyhose with a pair of socks. Currently, the hosiery industry hasnot made available to consumers, an integrated unit that has thebenefits that both pantyhose and socks offer the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it isan object of the present invention to provide an improved hosierysystem.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide animproved hosiery system that will integrate a pair of pantyhose with apair of socks.

[0011] It is still another object of the present invention to provide animproved hosiery system that will integrate a pair of pantyhose with apair of socks that has the benefits that both pantyhose and socks offerthe wearer.

[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to provide animproved hosiery system that also provides thigh-high stockings andsocks in an integrated unit.

[0013] It is still another object of the present invention to providethe consumer of such improved hosiery the ability to select preferredpantyhose-like hosiery or thigh-high stockings and preferred socks forintegration.

[0014] It is still a further object of the present invention to providesuch a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention ahosiery system is disclosed. The hosiery system has a foot covering forcovering at least one foot wherein the foot covering has an upper edgeportion. A leg covering is provided for providing thigh support. The legcover has a lower edge portion, wherein the lower edge portion of theleg covering is coupled to the upper edge portion of the foot covering.

[0016] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, amethod for providing a fashion choice of differing foot cover and thighsupport is disclosed. The method comprising: selecting at least oneuser-selected foot cover having an upper edge portion; selecting atleast one user-selected thigh support having a lower edge portion; andcoupling the upper edge portion of the user-selected foot cover to thelower edge portion of the user-selected thigh support.

[0017] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following, more particular,description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, asillustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention areset forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as apreferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understoodby reference to the following detailed description of illustratedembodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial section of the hosierysystem according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hosiery system of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a sectional view trough the section 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodimentof the hosiery system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 wherein like numerals and symbolsrepresent like elements, a hosiery system 100 according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention is shown. The hosiery system 100 iscomprised of two main sections: a sock portion 104 and a thigh-supportportion 106. As shown, the sock portion 104 of the hosiery system 100 ispreferably attached directly to the thigh-support portion 106 of thehosiery system 100 by seam 108. Additionally, as shown, preferably thesock portion 104 of the hosiery system 100 extends up the leg of thewearer high enough such that when the slacks 102 are raised, such aswhen the wearer crosses her leg, that only the sock portion of thehosiery system 104 is visible. Therefore, the continuous fashion of thesock portion of the hosiery system 104 is preferably always seen byanyone other than the wearer.

[0024]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hosiery system of FIG. 1. Asshown, preferably the sock portion 104 of the hosiery system 100 extendsbetween the ankle and the knee of the wearer. The sock portion 104 ofthe hosiery system 100 preferably consists of a standard type sock thatis available in different materials, as well as sizes and fashions.

[0025] Additionally, as shown, the thigh-support portion 106 of thehosiery system 100 is preferably pantyhose-like, one-piece undergarmentthat consists of hosiery made with a panty-style top, extending to thewearer's waist. The thigh-support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100preferably consists of standard pantyhose-like hosiery, includingtights, that is available in different materials, as well as sizes,colors, and fashions.

[0026] With both the sock portion 104 and the thigh-support portion 106of the hosiery system 100 being available in different materials, aswell as sizes and fashions the present invention offers the wearer amultitude of selections. For example, the wearer or consumer couldchoose to integrate the hosiery system 100 as follows: have the sockportion 104 of the hosiery system to be red, heavy cotton, toe socks,and the thigh-support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100 to be black,opaque tights.

[0027] A wearer or consumer may make these different possible selectionsthrough an internet website or through a paper brochure showing thedifferent selections for both the sock portion 104 and the thigh supportportion 106 of the hosiery system. Upon reading this specification,those skilled in the art will now understand that, under appropriatecircumstances, considering issues such as available selections, currentfashion, etc., other methods of making selections, for example,mail-order, phone-order, etc., may suffice.

[0028] Thus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a method for providing the fashion choiceof differing foot cover and thigh support. The method has a buyerselecting at least one user-selected foot cover comprising at least oneupper edge portion. The user then selects at least one user-selectedthigh support comprising at least one lower edge portion. The hosierysystem is then attached such that the at least one upper edge portion ofthe at least one user-selected foot cover is coupled to the at least onelower edge portion of the at least one user-selected thigh support. Suchmethod preferably includes the user selecting at least one sock of agiven size and fashion and the user selecting pantyhose of a given sizeand fashion. Alternately, such method preferably includes the userselecting at least one sock of a given size and fashion and the userselecting at least one thigh-high stocking of a given size and fashion.Such selecting may preferably occur on a user interface of at least oneInternet website. Alternatively, as stated above, one may make theselection via a catalog or the like.

[0029]FIG. 3 is a sectional view through the section 3-3 of FIG. 2. Asshown, preferably the upper edge 110 of sock portion 104 of the hosierysystem 100 and the lower edge 112 of thigh support portion 106 of thehosiery system 100 are joined or attached at seam 108. Both the sockportion 104 and the thigh support portion 106 of the hosiery system 100are preferably single layers, where the sock portion 104 is preferablynot interwoven within the sock area of the thigh support portion 106 ofthe hosiery system 100. Thus, minimizing unwanted bunching or layeringof either the sock portion 104 or the thigh support potion 106.

[0030] Preferably, seam 108 is formed by sewing the upper edge 110 ofthe sock portion 104 to the lower edge 112 of the thigh support portion106 of the hosiery system 100. The upper edge 110 of the sock portion104 is preferably a minimal area of the entire sock portion 104.Additionally, the lower edge 112 of the thigh support portion 106 ispreferably a minimal area of the entire thigh support portion. Uponreading this specification, those skilled in the art will now understandthat, under appropriate circumstances, considering issues such asstrength, cost of production, durability, etc., other seam arrangements,such as, for example, weaving, bonding, etc., may suffice.

[0031]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate preferred embodimentof the hosiery system 100 of FIG. 1. As shown, preferably the sockportion 104 of the hosiery system 100 extends between the ankle and theknee of the wearer. Additionally, as shown, the thigh-support portion106 of the hosiery system 100 is preferably thigh-high stocking like,extending to the wearer's upper thigh area.

[0032] While the invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in formand details may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hosiery system, comprising: a foot covering forcovering at least one foot wherein the foot covering has an upper edgeportion; and a leg covering for providing thigh support, comprising atleast one lower edge portion, wherein the lower edge portion of the legcovering is coupled to the upper edge portion of the foot covering.
 2. Ahosiery system in accordance with claim 1 further comprising attachmentdevice for attaching the at least one upper edge portion of the footcovering to the at least one lower edge portion of the leg covering. 3.The hosiery system according to claim 1 wherein the at least one upperedge portion of the foot covering is substantially located between theankle and the knee of a wearer.
 4. The hosiery system according to claim1 wherein the attachment device comprises stitching.
 5. The hosierysystem according to claim 1 wherein the foot covering comprises at leastone sock.
 6. The hosiery system according to claim 1 wherein the legcovering comprises pantyhose.
 7. The hosiery system according to claim 1wherein the leg covering comprises at least one thigh-high stocking. 8.A hosiery system, comprising: a foot cover to cover at least one footand having at least one upper edge portion; thigh support adapted tosupport at least one thigh and having at least one lower edge portion;and at least one attacher adapted to attach the at least one upper edgeportion of the foot cover to the at least one lower edge portion of theat least one thigh support.
 9. The hosiery system according to claim 8wherein the at least one upper edge portion of the foot cover issubstantially located between the ankle and the knee.
 10. The hosierysystem according to claim 8 wherein the at least one attacher comprisesstitching.
 11. The hosiery system according to claim 9 wherein the footcover is a sock.
 12. The hosiery system according to claim 8 wherein thethigh support is pantyhose.
 13. The hosiery system according to claim 8wherein the thigh support is a thigh-high stocking.
 14. A method forproviding a fashion choice of differing foot cover and thigh support,comprising: selecting at least one user-selected foot cover having anupper edge portion; selecting at least one user-selected thigh supporthaving a lower edge portion; and coupling the upper edge portion of theuser-selected foot cover to the lower edge portion of the user-selectedthigh support.
 15. A method for providing the fashion choice ofdiffering foot cover and thigh support according to claim 14 furthercomprising: user selecting at least one sock of a given size and fashionas the foot cover; and user selecting pantyhose of a given size andfashion as the thigh support.
 16. A method for providing the fashionchoice of differing foot cover and thigh support according to claim 14further comprising: user selecting at least one sock of a given size andfashion as the foot cover; and user selecting at least one thigh-highstocking of a given size and fashion as the thigh support.
 17. A methodfor providing the fashion choice of differing foot cover and thighsupport according to claim 14 wherein such selecting occurs on a userinterface of at least one internet website.